NFL Week 13: What to watch for

Dec. 1, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Police cars were parked outside the Chiefs practice facility Saturday following the suicide of linebacker Jovan Belcher. The NFL said Sunday's game against the Panthers in Kansas City would go on as scheduled. DAVID EULITT, MCT

Police cars were parked outside the Chiefs practice facility Saturday following the suicide of linebacker Jovan Belcher. The NFL said Sunday's game against the Panthers in Kansas City would go on as scheduled. DAVID EULITT, MCT

BY THE NUMBERS

INDY ABOVE .500

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has seven victories, tied for the most by a rookie QB drafted No. 1 overall during the Super Bowl era. With a victory over Detroit, Luck would become the first rookie quarterback drafted No. 1 to win eight games in a season since 1966. Here are the quarterbacks taken No. 1 who have won the most games as rookies during the Super Bowl era:

Year Player, team Victories

2012

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis

7

2010

Sam Bradford, St. Louis

7

2011

Cam Newton, Carolina

6

1971

Jim Plunkett, New England

6

1993

Drew Bledsoe, New England

5

1990 Jeff George, Indianapolis 5

THREE AND OUT

Three things to watch for in Sunday's games:

1. Chiefs concern

Kansas City's miserable season took a tragic turn when linebacker Jovan Belcher killed himself and his girlfriend Saturday morning. The league and the Chiefs decided to play their Week 13 game against the visiting Carolina Panthers as scheduled. It'll no doubt be an emotional scene at Arrowhead Stadium for the teams and fans. Hopefully the game will kick-start the healing process for all involved.

2. Kaepernick in

The official launch of the Colin Kaepernick Era in San Francisco is upon us. So now what? Every move Kaepernick makes will be scrutinized, and you can be sure Fox will have a camera trained on Alex Smith on the 49ers sideline. It should help Kaepernick that he has faced St. Louis before. It also should help that he's coming off a road victory in a dome.

3. Roethlisberger out

Although the rival Ravens remain skeptical, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is not expected to come back for Baltimore-Pittsburgh II. He's listed as out after struggling to practice this week, so Charlie Batch is in line to make his second consecutive start. The first did not go well. The Steelers have to play significantly better around Batch to prevent the Ravens from clinching the AFC North (which would happen with a Baltimore victory and Cincinnati loss).

THURSDAY'S RESULT

ATLANTA 23, NEW ORLEANS 13: The Falcons intercepted Drew Brees five times and halted his NFL-record touchdown streak at 54 games.

Injury impact: Gronkowski's absence last week didn't translate into the monster game from Aaron Hernandez that many expected (2 catches, 36 yards). But it's too small a sample size to draw any conclusions.

Fantasy tip: Miami WR Davone Bess had seven catches for a season-high 129 yards last week. He has been targeted at least eight times in 5 of 6 games.

Lev's look: It's hard to envision Ryan Tannehill keeping pace with Tom Brady. It isn't hard to envision a gritty Miami team losing by less than a touchdown, though.

Injury impact: Both are among the best at their positions. Harvin will be missed more because run-first Minnesota doesn't have many other playmakers.

Fantasy tip: With Harvin not expected to play, rookie Jarius Wright is worth considering if you're desperate for a wideout. He had team highs in targets (10) and catches (7) last week.

Lev's look: The Packers are seeking redemption after an embarrassing Sunday-night loss, and the Vikings are bad on the road (1-4). That said, I expect Minnesota to keep it close against a Green Bay team that's still far from healthy.

Injury impact: Joseph, one of the league's better cover corners, is one of three defensive starters missing for Houston, which has surrendered 68 points the past two weeks.

Fantasy tip: If you're in a multiple-QB league, this is an attractive matchup for Tennessee's Jake Locker. The Texans allowed 419 passing yards last week, 372 the week before that.

Lev's look: Tennessee changed offensive coordinators this week, which isn't necessarily a recipe for success (see Philadelphia's DC change). But I like the Titans' upset chances against a banged-up Texans team coming off consecutive overtime marathons.

Fantasy tip: Raiders RB Darren McFadden (ankle; questionable) is expected to return, but he isn't expected to resume his usual workhorse role. So don't get your hopes up too high, at least not this week.

Lev's look: Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie has put everyone in the organization on notice; that should, in theory, create a renewed sense of urgency. The Raiders also might catch the Browns on a post-Steelers letdown.

Injury impact: Would the Chargers have stopped Ray Rice on fourth-and-29 if Butler had been available? We'll never know. We do know Butler is San Diego's leading tackler.

Fantasy tip: Sanu's absence should benefit TE Jermaine Gresham, who has had seven or more targets five times this season. The Chargers struggled to cover the Ravens' Dennis Pitta last week (6 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD).

Lev's look: It wouldn't surprise me if the Bolts inexplicably rose up here, but it's hard to imagine an out-of-contention team bouncing back after what happened last week.

Injury impact: How much do the Steelers miss Roethlisberger? In eight games with him, they averaged 23.9 points. In three games without him (including the one in which he got hurt), they've averaged 16.3.

Fantasy tip: Mike Tomlin elevated Jonathan Dwyer to the top of the RB depth chart, so consider that a green light. Dwyer easily has been the most effective Pittsburgh runner (4.4 ypc).

Lev's look: After last week's eight-turnover debacle, expect the Steelers to play with the focus and pride we've become accustomed to. But Roethlisberger's absence is just too much to overcome.

Fantasy tip: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated RB DeMarco Murray would return this week. But given that it's a night game, I suggest monitoring the morning buzz and proceeding with caution.

Lev's look: Philly is one of the few teams in greater disarray than Dallas. So the Cowboys, who are still in the playoff hunt, should win. But they haven't won by more than 10 at home since Week 10 of 2011.

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